Marchisio: Conte an example

Claudio Marchisio says that whilst Antonio Conte is ‘clearly uncomfortable’ at a possible 10-month ban, he continues to serve as an example.

Claudio Marchisio says that whilst Antonio Conte is ‘clearly uncomfortable’ at a possible 10-month ban, he continues to serve as an example.

The Coach is facing the prospect of a touchline ban from football through to June 9, 2013, for his role alleged to have been played in the betting scandal to have hit Italian football this year.

However, his midfielder Marchisio believes that he is still leading the way in showing the players how to behave, in preparing for the SupercoppaItaliana clash with Napoli.

“It is obvious that he is not comfortable for all that is happening,” revealed the No 8 to Sky Sport Italia.

“But he is an example for us because on the field he does not reveal anything. As always he yells at us, training us as always, giving us the usual drive and motivation.

“So for us he is a great example of how we should focus exclusively on the job.”

Marchisio was asked about going into the game without a player currently assigned to the No 10 shirt, recently vacated by Alessandro Del Piero and if he were tempted to take it.

“Obviously Del Piero is missed a lot. The chorus of Chinese fans for him makes us realise his importance. To see his locker empty at Vinovo also have a certain effect. Ale is an example for us all.

“I, however, would not put on the No 10 shirt of Del Piero’s because, whilst it was a dream of mine when I was younger, when I was an attacker, now I am a midfielder and I am not Platini, Baggio or Del Piero.

“I’m not one that can decide a game with a single goal, so I do not deserve to ever wear this shirt.”

The midfielder also looked ahead to Saturday’s Supercup clash with Napoli.

“It’s a very important trophy, we are champions and we have an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that we are still the strongest.

“We are strongly motivated. Napoli have always caused us problems, but we’re ready. Our opponents have improved every year and will also be dangerous rivals in the League, along with Milan, Inter, Roma and Udinese.”

This will be the third Cup final in the space of a few months for Marchisio and a number of the Juve players, after the Coppa Italia defeat to Napoli and the Euro 2012 defeat to Spain.

“We now hope to win. But I am among those who think that finals are best to be played, even if you lose them, because they give you an experience to better address those that you play.

“Honestly, I never thought that we would progress so quickly to the top. But the League last year was made from every day and it brought a confidence to us that was missing. Now we have to stay at those high levels.”